CVE-2025-24707 in Photo Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/03/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in GT3 Photo Gallery Photo Gallery - GT3 Image Gallery & Gutenberg Block Gallery allows Reflected XSS. This issue affects Photo Gallery - GT3 Image Gallery & Gutenberg Block Gallery: from n/a through 2.7.7.24.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the GT3 Photo Gallery plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions through 2.7.7.24. The flaw represents a classic reflected XSS attack vector where malicious input is improperly processed during web page generation, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output encoding practices during the gallery plugin's rendering process, creating an opportunity for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of affected users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly neutralize user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into dynamically generated web content. This improper handling allows malicious payloads to be reflected back to users through the web application's response, typically via URL parameters or form inputs that are not adequately validated or escaped. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin processes gallery-related parameters without sufficient sanitization, enabling attackers to inject script tags or other malicious code that executes in the victim's browser context. This weakness directly corresponds to CWE-79, which defines the improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a primary cause of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious sites, or data exfiltration from authenticated users. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing XSS payloads that, when clicked by victims, execute scripts in their browsers to steal cookies, modify page content, or redirect users to phishing sites. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the attack payload is immediately reflected back to the user without being stored on the server, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks. This vulnerability specifically impacts WordPress users running the affected GT3 Photo Gallery plugin version, potentially compromising the security of entire websites if administrators do not update to patched versions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 2.7.7.25 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and output encoding practices throughout the WordPress installation, including the use of Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers the use of malicious links in phishing attacks, and T1059.007, which involves the execution of scripts through web browsers. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be relied upon as the primary mitigation. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes remain essential for identifying similar vulnerabilities in the broader WordPress ecosystem.